Month-by-month viewing quality
| Month | Viewing | Why |
|---|---|---|
| January | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| February | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| March | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| April | Marginal | Short nights at the season edge |
| May | No — midnight sun | Midnight sun — no real darkness |
| June | No — midnight sun | Midnight sun — no real darkness |
| July | No — midnight sun | Midnight sun — no real darkness |
| August | Marginal | Short nights at the season edge |
| September | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| October | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| November | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
| December | Peak | Long dark nights + peak activity |
Why these months?
Two things decide your odds in Jukkasjärvi: darkness and activity. You need real darkness — so the bright midnight-sun months are out no matter how strong the aurora is. On top of that, geomagnetic storms run statistically stronger around the spring and autumn equinoxes (the Russell–McPherron effect), which is why September and October and February and March tend to edge out the dead of winter. Jukkasjärvi's season runs late september to late march.
Jukkasjärvi is the tiny village on the Torne River famous for the original ICEHOTEL — sleep on a carved-ice bed and step outside to the lights.
Where to stand in Jukkasjärvi
The frozen Torne River and the ICEHOTEL grounds are right there; for darker skies, join a snowmobile or sled tour out of the village.
Tours & stays to book
Northern lights tours from Jukkasjärvi
Viator · guided tours · from $99
Aurora chases & photo tours in Jukkasjärvi
GetYourGuide · guided tours · from $99
Cabins, lodges & glass igloos near Jukkasjärvi
Booking.com · lodging